The Demon God Returns as a Max Level Player – Chapter 75

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Wjin
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It was a reality I couldn’t believe, even after seeing and experiencing it with my own eyes. But there was no need to be intimidated or afraid.

‘…The fight isn’t over yet.’

Although the defensive capabilities of Lee Seong-joon’s barrier were unexpectedly high, all he had to do was find an opening. He could still inflict damage by targeting blind spots that the barrier couldn’t protect.

‘My movements are superior.’

He had invested most of his bonus points in Agility to effectively wield his unorthodox dual swords, so he was confident in his speed. If he fought calmly, he could find a breakthrough.

Of course, it didn’t take long for him to realize that his thoughts were nothing but wishful thinking.

Ding—!

An immense power surged into Lee Seong-joon’s body, erupting like a volcano.

‘Excellent.’

He could feel his muscles and bones hardening and toughening beyond words. His current body had broken through its limits. A satisfied smile appeared on Lee Seong-joon’s lips.

‘At this level…’

If he pressed his advantage and aimed for a swift victory, he could probably defeat someone as strong as Song Seung-jun without even using internal energy. Savoring the exhilaration coursing through him, Lee Seong-joon dashed forward, his eyes gleaming.

Crash—!

With a powerful kick that cracked the ground, a red streak shot through the air, approaching Song Seung-jun.

Sensing the threat, Song Seung-jun quickly crossed his two swords in an X shape, creating an Aura Shield, preparing to defend. But it was a futile struggle.

The martial art Lee Seong-joon was about to unleash couldn’t be blocked by a makeshift defense like that.

Smiling leisurely, Lee Seong-joon pulled his fists back, gathering power. The energy within his body, enhanced by various buff skills, began to concentrate in his fists. As soon as he felt the concentrated power reach the limit his current body could handle, he thrust his fists forward without hesitation.

‘금강철괴외기공, 오의 (Indestructible Iron Body External Qi Technique, Secret Art). 금룡불괴창파 (Golden Dragon Indestructible Pierce).’

The ultimate technique of the Indestructible Iron Body External Qi Technique, considered the best external martial art.

The moment his fists, imbued with the indestructible power of a dragon, struck Song Seung-jun’s swords…

Kaboom—!

The ground shook, and a deafening explosion erupted. Naturally, the two swords, which had received the full force of the Indestructible Dragon, couldn’t withstand it.

Clang—!

They broke, losing their original form, and flew into the air. At the same time, blood flowed from Song Seung-jun’s palms.

“Kgh…”

As a groan of pain escaped Song Seung-jun’s lips, Lee Seong-joon appeared before him, his fist lightly touching Song Seung-jun’s chest, right over his heart.

Tap-

There was no impact, as no real force had been used. But even a fool could understand.

‘If he had attacked seriously…’

He would be dead.

Gulp-

He swallowed nervously.

“Do you still think I’m being greedy?”

A cold voice, and a ferocious aura emanating from Lee Seong-joon, bound Song Seung-jun. The presence etched into his very soul, the power of the Blood Demon and Demon God who had ruled the Thousand Continents, was unleashed.

Facing that overwhelming presence, Song Seung-jun’s eyes trembled.

‘M-Monster…’

It wasn’t just an abyss. That darkness could consume everything if it wished. No one could resist it. Not even his master, Yoon Min-soo, who exuded a presence like the sun.

He realized how absurd his previous words had been.

“I-I apologize. I misspoke…”

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He was defeated. There were no excuses. He had given his all, but he hadn’t even grazed Lee Seong-joon’s clothes. It wasn’t even a fight.

‘…An overwhelming gap.’

If Lee Seong-joon had fought seriously from the beginning, he would have died without even being able to resist. Song Seung-jun wasn’t foolish enough to deny the reality he had just experienced.

“At least I know my place now.”

“…”

Lee Seong-joon stepped back, removing his fist from Song Seung-jun’s chest. His movements were so swift that, just like when he approached, Song Seung-jun couldn’t even sense his presence.

‘What was that? Is that even a martial art…?’

It was on a completely different level from any martial art he had seen or experienced. Swift, destructive, and even strangely eerie. He had never seen such a martial art.

“This is your first and last warning. There won’t be a second chance. So stop your pointless schemes and go back quietly.”

Having said his piece, Lee Seong-joon quickly distanced himself from Song Seung-jun, who was still looking bewildered.

“Th-The Treasure Gate is not to be taken lightly!”

Song Seung-jun, desperately trying to regain his composure, shouted at Lee Seong-joon’s retreating figure, “Countless traps, monsters with tricky abilities! I don’t deny that Hunter Lee Seong-joon is strong, but you can’t fight ten people with one hand, can you?!”

Even as Lee Seong-joon was almost out of sight, Song Seung-jun didn’t give up.

“But if we work together, we can clear it without any difficulty! I! Nuri! We can make it happen! Please contact us!”

Despite his desperate plea, Lee Seong-joon didn’t stop. In the end, the only things left in the desolate construction site were Song Seung-jun, with a dazed look on his face, and the echoes of his shouts.

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Lee Seong-joon continued walking and soon arrived at a park near his home. Leaning against a bench, he recalled the recent encounter.

‘Song Seung-jun.’

To be honest, it hadn’t been a pleasant encounter. But it wasn’t a meaningless fight either.

‘…A satisfactory result.’

The skills he gained from the Holy Spirit Priest class change had proven more effective than he had anticipated. He had defeated Song Seung-jun without using any internal energy, just as planned.

At this level, he didn’t have to worry even if the Treasure Gate’s traps were harsh. External martial arts, which constantly protected the body and enhanced endurance, were sometimes more effective than internal martial arts in long, drawn-out battles.

Of course, that didn’t mean he would be careless.

‘The world I’ve seen is just a small part of the whole.’

The world was vast, and there were many strong individuals. And there were more foolish and arrogant people than he thought. He was already experiencing it, wasn’t he?

Despite his growing fame and the protection he received, flies like Jo Se-hyuk, Song Seung-jun, and the Returnee Alliance kept buzzing around. Even though he had established himself and gained power, the threats hadn’t disappeared.

The simplest way to end this tedious and bothersome cycle was clear.

‘Attain overwhelming authority and power, forcing everyone to bow their heads.’

Everyone would think it was impossible, but it wasn’t that difficult. He had already done it once, as the Blood Demon and Demon God.

As he had thought before, the first time was always the hardest. The second time wasn’t so difficult. He just had to walk the path of an absolute ruler, as he had in the Thousand Continents.

“And the first step is…”

…the reward from this Treasure Gate.

Having organized his thoughts, Lee Seong-joon smiled and walked home.

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The next day, near the Treasure Gate.

Lee Seong-joon, currently the hottest topic, appeared at the site that was drawing immense attention as the first Treasure Gate in South Korea.

Click. Click.

Perhaps due to his past experiences, his expression didn’t waver in the slightest at the barrage of camera flashes. With a relaxed smile, he walked confidently towards the entrance of the Treasure Gate.

Ko Taehyun greeted him with a bright smile and a cheerful voice,

“I’ve been waiting, Hunter Lee Seong-joon.”

“It’s been a while.”

After a brief exchange of greetings, Ko Taehyun chuckled, his eyes darting around.

“Huh… Hunter Lee Seong-joon, you always exceed my expectations.”

“Is that so?”

“To be honest… I was quite surprised when you said you would raid the Treasure Gate alone.”

To be precise, he hadn’t been able to hide his anxiety. It was because there were precedents. Dozens of S-rank and higher hunters, including Daniel Brühl, the SS-rank hunter from Germany, and Blanca Suárez, the S+-rank hunter from Spain, had returned as corpses due to their greed.

So it had been difficult for him to suppress his anxiety. Negative thoughts had plagued him until this morning. But after seeing Hunter Lee Seong-joon in person, his thoughts completely changed.

‘…Hunter Lee Seong-joon’s power is now on par with mine, or even greater.’

Even in a head-on fight, he couldn’t guarantee victory. It meant that I had enough power to raid the Treasure Gate.

‘I can’t believe he achieved such growth in just one month.’

Ko Taehyun gulped.

‘He’s a true monster.’

His anxiety vanished, replaced by a strange sense of anticipation.

‘I wonder how much stronger he’ll become if he regains all of his original power.’

Returnees usually had clear limits to their growth. But for some reason, he felt that Hunter Lee Seong-joon wouldn’t have such limitations.

‘Perhaps… Korea might once again become a world power.’

Just imagining it made his chest swell with pride. A smile formed on his lips.

“It seems this old man worried for nothing.”

Instead of replying, Lee Seong-joon smiled confidently and looked at the Treasure Gate beyond Ko Taehyun.

“I’m not one to procrastinate, so can I enter now?”

“Yes, of course.”

Ko Taehyun stepped aside, revealing the entrance to the Treasure Gate. Red energy flowed out of the gate, alluring and seductive.

Woong—!

The resonating gate seemed to beckon.

Lee Seong-joon, looking at it with satisfaction, stepped towards the entrance.

“Then, I’ll see you later.”

“Good luck.”

With Ko Taehyun’s farewell, Lee Seong-joon’s figure was sucked into the Treasure Gate and vanished completely.

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